Category: NRHA

NRHA’s 23rd Rural Health Clinic Conference and 24th Critical Access Hospital Conference, September 23-26, Kansas City, MO

August 6, 2025

NRHA’s 23rd Rural Health Clinic Conference and 24th Critical Access Hospital Conference, September 23-26, Kansas City, MO

Calling all clinic and CAH stakeholders to Kansas City. Don’t miss your chance to share with colleagues, network with partners, and learn from experts from across the country in NRHA’s Rural Health Clinic and Critical Access Hospital Conferences.

This is your chance to take advantage of over 40 educational and networking opportunities designed for clinic and hospital professionals and board members serving rural America.

Click Here to Learn More and Register

Article: Doctors Who Use AI Perceived Less Favorably, Survey Suggests

August 6, 2025

Article: Doctors Who Use AI Perceived Less Favorably, Survey Suggests

Physicians who use artificial intelligence (AI) are perceived less favorably than those who don’t use it, a survey showed.

In a survey of 1,276 U.S. adults who were shown fake social media or billboard advertisements for family doctors, physicians portrayed to use AI were perceived as significantly less competent, trustworthy, and empathetic compared with those whose AI use was not mentioned, reported Moritz Reis, MSc, of the University of Wuerzburg in Germany, and colleagues.

Additionally, study participants said they were significantly less willing to make an appointment with a physician if any type of AI use was indicated, Reis and colleagues noted in JAMA Network Open.

Key Takeaways:

  • Physicians portrayed to use AI were perceived less favorably than those who were not.
  • They were perceived as significantly less competent, trustworthy, and empathetic, and study participants indicated significantly lower willingness to schedule an appointment with them.
  • Findings held true regardless of whether physicians were portrayed to use AI for administrative, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes.

Click Here to Read Article.

Rural Health Fellows Leadership Program Applications Open, Apply by September 11

August 6, 2025

Rural Health Fellows Leadership Program Applications Open, Apply by September 11

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Rural Health Fellows Leadership Program.

NRHA’s Rural Health Fellows Leadership Program is a yearlong training initiative designed to develop a diverse, Interprofessional network of rural health leaders from across the country. The Rural Health Fellows program prepares emerging leaders to champion rural health policy and drive meaningful change in their communities. Fellows gain hands-on experience through leadership development, policy engagement, and collaboration with other rural health professionals.

Each year, NRHA selects 15-20 individuals who will:

  • Expand their understanding of rural health policy,
  • Build a national network of peers and mentors,
  • Strengthen leadership and advocacy skills, and
  • Complete a team-based policy project that informs NRHA’s platform.

Applicants must:

  • Be an active NRHA member for at least one year prior to applying, and maintain membership throughout the program,
  • Demonstrate a commitment to rural health,
  • Attend all three in-person sessions:
    • 37th Rural Health Policy Institute, February 10-12, 2026, Washington, D.C.
    • 49th Annual Rural Health Conference, May 19-22, 2026, San Diego, CA
    • 38th Rural Health Policy Institute, February 9-11, 2027, Washington, D.C.
  • Participate in monthly virtual sessions,
  • Contribute to a team-based project, and
  • Be able to cover travel and accommodation expenses

Program Benefits:

  • Practical experience in rural health policy and advocacy,
  • Creation of a group policy brief,
  • Long-term professional connections, and
  • Opportunity to shape NRHA’s policy priorities.

Review Timeline:

  • Application deadline: Thursday, September 11, 2025
  • Notifications sent by: October 2025
  • Accepted Fellows must confirm participation within two weeks of acceptance

Program Cost – there is no fee to participate in the program. Travel and accommodations are the responsibility of the Fellow, though limited scholarship support is available.

Click Here to Learn More

Click Here to Apply

NRHA Webinar: Building Trust and Retention: Practical Communication Strategies for Rural Health Leaders, August 13

August 6, 2025

NRHA Webinar: Building Trust and Retention: Practical Communication Strategies for Rural Health Leaders, August 13

High turnover, disengagement, and strained communication cost rural hospitals time, resources, and patient outcomes. This session goes beyond theory to deliver proven methods you can put into practice immediately.

Jennifer Henry, MBA, has spent nearly a decade helping rural healthcare executives across the Midwest improve retention and team performance. Drawing on real case studies and the Everything DiSC® framework, she will walk you through:

  • Identifying hidden communication breakdowns
    • Learn how to uncover subtle patterns that erode trust and morale – before they drive staff out the door.
  • Defusing conflict without escalation
    • Get practical scripts and techniques to address tension in a way that preserves relationships and accountability
  • Strengthening leadership presence
    • Discover ways to communicate clearly and consistently under pressure, so teams stay aligned during staffing shortages and change.
  • Building Psychological Safety
    • See how small shifts in leadership behaviors can create an environment where staff feel safe to speak up and stay engaged.

You will leave with actionable strategies to reduce turnover costs, improve culture, and build a stronger, more resilient workforce in your rural hospital or clinic.

Cost: Free

When: Wednesday, August 13, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register

NRHA Webinar: Fixing Employee Health Workflows in Rural Hospitals Without Adding Staff, August 7

August 6, 2025

NRHA Webinar: Fixing Employee Health Workflows in Rural Hospitals Without Adding Staff, August 7

In this session learn how Tanner Health redesigned their employee health processes to reduce onboarding delays, improve documentation accuracy, and streamline compliance tracking – without adding staff or costly systems. You’ll walk away with strategies you can apply immediately to improve workforce readiness and reduce risk.

Tami Turner, BSN, RN, brings over 20 years of clinical experience and now leads onboarding and exposure response across Tanner’s rural hospital system. She’s joined by Samantha Boughner, MBA, who manages employee health systems, reduce manual workload, and increase documentation efficiency in real-world settings.

Attendees will:

  • Identify the most common breakdowns in onboarding and compliance documentation,
  • Learn how to improve tracking accuracy and audit readiness without additional staff, and
  • Take home a practical framework that rural hospitals can implement immediately.

This session is built for rural executives, nursing leaders, compliance officers, and medical group managers ready to fix what’s not working and move forward with confidence.

Cost: Free

When: Thursday, August 7 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register

FY2026 President’s Discretionary Budget Request

May 5, 2025

FY 2026 President’s Discretionary Budget Request

Last week, the Trump Administration unveiled their high level FY 2026 President’s Discretionary Budget request. Among these requests, the Trump administration proposes HHS receive $93.8 billion for FY26, a 26.2% decrease from the FY25 enacted level. Funding levels for the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy programs are not articulated, nor those for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Indian Health Service (HIS), Administration for Community Living (ACL), and Administration for Children and Families (ACF).

Other topline discretionary numbers include:

  • $7.2 billion for HRSA, a 19.4% decrease from FY 25
  • $3.0 billion in discretionary funding for CMS, an 18.3% decrease from FY 25
  • $5.6 billion in discretionary funding for CDC, a 38.9% decrease from FY 25
  • $240 million in discretionary funding for AHRQ, a 35% decrease from FY 25
  • $29.3 billion for NIH, a 38% decrease from FY 25
  • $6.2 billion for SAMHSA, a 14.3% decrease from FY 25

USDA is proposed to receive $22.3 billion for FY26, with an 18.3% cut to base discretionary funding, including a $721 million decrease to Rural Development Programs.

The Missouri Rural Health Association (MRHA) and the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) are monitoring the possible implications these requests will have on rural health. It is critical that Congress fully funds the rural health safety net and protects core rural programs against cuts in the FY 2026 appropriations process.

NRHA is urging Members of Congress to support our requests to improve rural health care access and affordability.

Click Here to see NRHA’s recent appropriations letter to congressional leadership.

NRHA encourages you to also utilize their advocacy campaigns and Urge Congress to Invest in Rural Health (FY 2026 Appropriations).

NRHA Webinar: How Rural Hospitals are Strengthening Swing Bed Compliance to Secure Reimbursement and Prevent Denials, May 14

May 1, 2025

NRHA Webinar: How Rural Hospitals are Strengthening Swing Bed Compliance to Secure Reimbursement and Prevent Denials, May 14

Strong documentation and compliance are the foundation of a successful swing bed program. Rural hospitals that get it right secure sustainable reimbursement, avoid costly denials, and maximize the value of their swing bed services. But with shifting Medicare regulations and complex eligibility requirements, how do you ensure your hospital is set up for success?

Join Valorie Clouse, RN, AGNP, FNP, CCM, who has worked extensively with rural hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs) to strengthen swing bed compliance, improve case management, and prevent denials. She has helped rural facilities develop documentation processes that support medical necessity, meet Medicare requirements, and protect financial sustainability.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Documentation practices that ensure compliance and prevent denials with their swing beds,
  • Medicare’s latest regulations on swing bed eligibility and reimbursement,
  • How rural hospitals are securing sustainable revenue and strengthening financial stability with their swing beds,
  • Best practices for optimizing swing bed utilization without financial risk

This session will provide rural hospital leaders with clear, practical guidance to navigate swing bed compliance, avoid common pitfalls, and strengthen financial sustainability.

Cost: Free

When: Wednesday, May 14, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Click Here to register

NRHA Webinar: Rural EMS Staffing in 2025: How Rural Hospitals are Reducing Delays and Strengthening Patient Care, May 8

April 30, 2025

NRHA Webinar: Rural EMS Staffing in 2025: How Rural Hospitals are Reducing Delays and Strengthening Patient Care, May 8

Rural EMS staffing shortages aren’t ne – but the strategies rural hospitals are using to manage them are evolving fast. In this educational presentation, rural healthcare leaders and EMS experts will share what’s working now, from cross-training clinical staff and building local workforce pipelines to using telehealth and regional collaboration to keep response times down and ensure patient care doesn’t suffer.

After attending this session, you’ll be able to:

  • Identify workforce development strategies rural hospitals are using to recruit and retain EMS personnel,
  • Apply cross-training and collaborative staffing models to improve response times and ensure continuity of care, and
  • Advocate for policy changes and funding to support sustainable EMS staffing in rural communities.

Cost: Free

When: Thursday, May 8, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register

Sign up for the Cybersecurity Program for Rural Hospitals

April 29, 2025

Sign up for the Cybersecurity Program for Rural Hospitals

Protect your rural hospital with Microsoft security solutions, resources and training at no cost.

Rural hospitals provide critical services to the communities they serve across the United States, but they are under significant pressure. Cyberattacks on hospitals are a growing threat that can severely impact patient care and compromise private data.

Microsoft is committed to helping rural hospitals keep their health services sage and secure by investing in the new Microsoft Cybersecurity Program for Rural Hospitals. This program provides affordable access to Microsoft security solutions, builds cybersecurity capacity, and helps solve root challenges through innovation.

Who is Eligible:

  • The Microsoft Cybersecurity Program for Rural Hospitals is available to all rural hospitals in the United States.
    • The following are ineligible for the program:
      • Urban hospitals,
      • Healthcare networks
      • Health plans
      • Ambulatory/outpatient healthcare organizations, and
      • Hospitals located outside the United States

What is Included in the Program?

  • Free Cybersecurity Assessment
    • Offered through a trusted Microsoft Cybersecurity Partner to evaluate and mitigate your hospital’s cybersecurity risks.
  • Curated Learning Pathways and Resources
    • Free cyber awareness training for frontline staff and foundational cyber risk management certification for IT staff.
  • One Year of Free Windows 10 Extended Security Update
    • Offers additional year of product support on Windows 10, when available in Winter 2025.
  • Security Product Discounts/Offers
    • Rural independent Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Emergency Hospitals are eligible for Microsoft nonprofit pricing. Check eligibility Here.
    • All other rural hospitals using Office 365/Microsoft 365, can get one year free of Advanced Security Suite, Microsoft 365 ES Security, and EMS E3 (up to 250 new licenses).
  • Click Here to visit Microsoft Healthcare for more information about licensing and support options for ineligible organizations.

Click Here to Learn More and Sign Up